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1
Introduction
I switched into the Resort, Recreation, and Hospitality Management major my
sophomore year of college. I came to Slippery Rock not knowing or having an idea what I
wanted to do with my life after school. I took a major and career exploration class my freshman
year and it involved a lot of self-evaluation to see what we liked and what we would be good at.
There were also presentations by representatives from a variety of majors that came into the
class and talked to us about what they had to offer. I always loved traveling and going on
vacations and I had no idea that there was actually a major for that! That is how I found my
home in this major.
Looking back, some of the most memorable times I have had were when I was traveling
or went to a tourism related business with my family or friends. My family always took big
vacations together starting when I was little and we still take them yearly. Doing this I got to
travel to multiple countries and many states. I got to experience things from riding in a
helicopter over a volcano in Hawaii to zip-lining through the rainforest in Costa Rica. These are
some of my favorite memories. On a smaller scale, I love amusement parks and riding roller
coasters or going to waterparks. This summer I went to a music festival for the first time and it
was an amazing time. The point is, all these things are part of the tourism industry and since
they have made such a huge impact on my life, I want to be able to provide others with similar
experiences that I have had.
I chose to focus on hotels, zoos, music festivals, catering/restaurants, and amusement
parks/waterparks. I have personally been to all of these types of places and they are common
attractions that most people will go to throughout all stages of life.
For hotels, I chose to find an article from all different areas of sustainability where
efforts can be made. This include reduction of energy consumption, water conservation, waste
reduction, and then just green ideas in general.
When researching zoos, I chose to actually find specific zoos that had already
implemented many sustainable practices into their businesses. All of the sources that I chose
had numerous and detailed examples of what they are doing. The zoos I focused on were the
Cincinnati Zoo, the Oregon Zoo, the Saint Louis Zoo, and Zoos Victoria.
For music festivals, I chose to focus mainly of specific festivals and the things that they
do for sustainability. I chose two largely well-known festivals as well as two lesser known ones.
This included Bonnaroo, The Coachella Valley Music & Arts Pickathon and the Summer Camp
Music Festival.
In the area of catering and restaurants, I approached finding articles in various ways. I
found information from a specific catering website. I found an article that had a ton of good
ideas that can be implemented in that type of business. There was an article that had examples
of sustainability in multiple restaurants that looked at the concept with a realistic approach.
Lastly, I found an article about a small restaurant that practically creates no waste at all.
The last area I looked into was amusement parks and water parks. I was rather
disappointed in the lack of movement towards sustainability in this area but found decent
articles nonetheless. One article featured a small amusement park’s efforts, two had ideas that
could be implemented and the last one was from The Walt Disney Company.
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Hotels
Simple Steps to Reducing Energy Consumption
This website talks about the ways one can save energy in hotels. The article explains that
a hotel could cut its energy bills by up to 20% by taking a few simple steps. The areas discussed
that are heating, hot water, air conditioning, lighting and refrigeration.
In regards to heating, care should be taken to not overheat halls or rooms. The heater
system should be in good working condition. The boiler should also be serviced regularly, as this
can save quite a bit on heating costs. Proper insolation is also important to make sure heat is
not wasted and does not escape. Proper insolation is also important in regards to water. Water
pipes that are leaky should be fixed immediately. Overheating water should be prevented as
well. Heating and cooling systems should not be on at the same time. Do not use air
conditioning unless it reaches a certain temperature outside. Use a building management
system that can control and monitor heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Use low-energy
lighting and more energy efficient light bulbs because they last longer than and produce less
heat. Sensor lighting systems can be put into place so that the lights turn off when nobody is in
the room. Refrigerator seals should be check that they are tight and the door should be closed
as much as possible. Lastly, choose energy efficient models when you are replacing parts or
buying new units.
I chose this article because it covers a wide variety of areas in which energy
consumption can be reduced in a hotel. All of the things listed are easy things to do, making
them practical to implement.
Tuppen, H. (2013, January 4). Simple steps to reducing energy consumption. Retrieved October
3, 2015, from http://www.greenhotelier.org/our-themes/energy/simple-steps-to-reducing-
energy-consumption/
Water Conservation: New and Proven Ways to Save Money and Resources
This article discusses water conservation and how it is possible to save money and
resources for a hotel. The first step is to look at the hotel’s current water usage in terms of
numbers, then to look at the practices that are currently in use and the areas that use water.
Looking at the average water consumption can be useful because a higher than average
number could tell you that there is a problem with the plumbing. Inspections should be
conducted for leaks, faulty valves, and out dated equipment. These can cause water loss, which
is not only a waste, but can raise costs. A hotel’s practices are very important as well.
Something as simple as asking guests to reuse their towels and bed linens can make a huge
difference. In bathrooms, low-flow plumbing fixtures can help save water. Outside, native
plants can be used for foliage. For pools, have a shield of plants to help prevent loss of water
from wind. To heat the pool, use a solar cover because this heats the water in an energy
efficient way and keeps water from evaporating.
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I chose this article because hotels are large consumers of water and not only did it offer
solutions and ideas to conserve water, but it addressed the monitoring of water usage.
Cardoon, G. (n.d.). Water Conservation: New and Proven Ways to Save Money and Resources.
Retrieved October 4, 2015, from http://hotelexecutive.com/business_review/2687/water-
conservation-new-and-proven-ways-to-save-money-and-resources
Waste Reduction
This article from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is very useful
when it comes to providing information on waste reduction. It discusses general waste
reduction, source waste reduction, reuse waste reduction, and recycling waste reduction. .
A written waste reduction plan should be created and an audit of waste should be
conducted. This will allow you to see the areas where waste is primarily generated. The amount
of waste that is collected should be tracked as well. Hazardous waste also needs to be disposed
of properly.
There are many things that can be done for source waste reduction. Newspapers should
only be provided if a guest requests one. Refillable containers should be used. Print on both
sides of papers. Get rid of Styrofoam and plastic food service containers. Do not buy more than
what is needed.
Reusing is another important and simple solution for waste reduction. Excess items can
be donated to local organizations and charities so that they do not go to waste. Excess food and
that which cannot be donated, can be composted. In general reusable items can replace
disposable ones.
Recycling helps with waste as well. A recycling program should be put in place for a
variety of materials and it should be easy to identify the bins. It should also be clearly noted on
what materials go where. If possible, buying recycled products is a good choice.
I chose this source because it was updated somewhat recently and provided extensive
information on waste management.
Waste Reduction. (n.d.). Retrieved October 9, 2015, from
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/bmp_waste.htm
Go Green Hotels: Green Ideas for Hotels and Resorts
This article contains sustainable ideas for hotels in all different areas. It covers staff,
water and energy, recycling, maintenance, food services, purchase and rooms.
It suggests that a green team is put in place in the hotel to continually evaluate and
improve green efforts. Providing incentive will encourage staff to participate. They would be
educated so that they can make simple changes like ensuring lights and appliances are off when
not in use. They can also make suggestions for further improvements.
A lot of the water and energy suggestions are similar to the other articles. This article
does discuss the use greywater and rainwater harvesting. It is also suggested that natural
lighting is taken advantage of as much as possible, especially in places like the lobby.
Recycling is only briefly touched upon and it says that there should be easily accessible
recycling bins. Building maintenance is also brought up and includes checking to make sure
things are functioning properly and fix them if there is a problem.
In the food service area, buying organic locally grown foods is a good way to provide
fresh foods that did not have to be shipped from far away. Leftover food products can be
donated or composted.
Purchases are an area where there is a lot that can be done. Have sustainable and fair
trade products in the gift shop and have these types of products as guest amenities. Buy
environmentally friendly paper.
In the guest rooms, use a glass cup instead of the usual plastic ones. Provide guests with
bikes and information on public transportation.
This website was useful because it has information and ideas for all the different aspects
of a hotel or resort and it is for this reason that I chose to use it.
Go Green Hotels: Green Ideas for Hotels and Resorts. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2015, from
http://www.globalstewards.org/hotel.htm
Zoos
